Day 0: Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania – Begin of Northern Circuit Route adventure

Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Big Tree Camp – Northern Circuit Route

Day 2: Big Tree Camp – Shira Camp 1 – Northern Circuit Route

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 – Shira Camp 2

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 – Moir Camp

Day 5: Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp

Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Rongai Third Camp

Day 7: Rongai Third Camp – School hut

Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru peak – Millenium Camp

Day 9: Millenium Camp – Mweka gate – End of Northern Circuit Route

Day 0: Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania – Start of Kilimanjaro Climb – Northern Circuit Route

Touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport, clear arrival formalities and meet Kilimanjaro Heroes transfer team outside customs area. Enjoy private transfer to your hotel in Moshi where you spend the 1st night.

Day 1: Morum Barrier Gate – Shira 1 Camp – Northern Circuit Route

You will depart your hotel after breakfast and head for Londorossi gate, the transfer will take about 3 hours. At Londorosi gate, you will complete entry formalities and thereafter continue up by car to Morum Barrier Gate (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trail-head, eat lunch, and then commence your trek passing through heather and moorland which lead to your first camp on Mt. Kilimanjaro.(which is a descent) only about 1-2 hours of trekking. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is spectacular.

Day 2: Shira 1 Camp – Moir Camp – Northern Circuit Route

Today you leave your camp after breakfast and hike across the legendary Shira plateau, east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak. Averaging 12,500 feet, Shira is considered one of the highest plateaus on earth. You immediately veer away from the crowded trails and head towards the northeast edge of the Plateau to reach Moir Camp. The trek takes about 4-5 hours over easy terrain. Moir camp is an isolated and rarely used camp affording stunning views over the Shira Plateau.

Day 3: Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp

On your fourth day on Mount Kilimanjaro, you begin your morning trek heading out of the moorland and into the stark alpine desert, on a steep ridge off the main trail, and begin your venture on the Northern Circuit Route. Today, you will trek for about 5 – 7 hours. From the Pofu Campsite you will enjoy spectacular view into Kenya’s wild lands to the north.

Day 4: Buffalo Camp – Kikelewa Caves Camp

After breakfast at you camp, you begin your trek and proceed onward through valleys and over ridges through the alpine desert and moorland, you will further continue your circuit to the east, enjoying a vast mountain wilderness to yourselves. Today you will have another 5 – 7 hours of trekking.

Day 5: Kikelewa Caves Camp – Mawenzi Tarn Camp

After a 3-5 hours steadily trekking upward, you will reach a placid mountain tarn (lake) at the foot of the majestically rising steep ridges of Mawenzi, which is Kilimanjaro’s second highest volcano. Your camp for tonight is nestled along the tarn in a protected alcove with magnificent views towards the steeply rising rocks of Mawenzi.Camp at Kikelewa Caves Camp.

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn Camp – Outward Bound Camp

Begin today’s trek that will take you 5-7 hour. Enjoy hiking though a relatively easy hike across the wide saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The trek takes you across the massive saddle- the crossing is quite impressive and the landscape spectacularly stark. As you near the foot of Kibo ,the temperatures turn cold. After reaching your camp, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, prepare all your gear for the day ahead, and turn in early to rest. Our Arusha base will make sure that a resupply of fresh food and supplies reach camp on this afternoon.

Day 7: Outward Bound Camp – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp

Expect a midnight wake-up call, that will be the start of a long trek. After some quick tea, you begin trekking at around 1am up the winding path of endless switchbacks. Today’s trek is long and from your camp to the rim of the crater (Gillman’s Point (18,750 ft./ 5,712 m)) to Uhuru Peak, the trekking time is about 7 – 8 hours.

The slope is particularly steep, with switchbacks, over loose rock and scree with some boulders as you near Gilman’s Point. Spend some time at Hans Meyer cave on the way, the famous spot where Kilimanjaro’s first western climber described in his journals. Furthermore, the trek from Gilman’s Point at the edge of the crater, to the summit is less demanding, and depending on your pace, you can reach it after a further 1½-2 hours along the snowy crater rim (depending on the season). After a short time at the summit, re-trace your steps back to Gilman’s Point, then summon your strength again for further descent to Mweka Camp where you will spend your last night on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – End of Kilimanjaro Climb – Northern Circuit Route

After breakfast, your 8 days northern circuit route clim on mount Kilimanjaro comes to an end as you descend straight to the gate, a trek of about 2-3 hours. On arrival at the exit gate you will be awarded Kilimanjaro climbing certificates, thereafter drive to Kindoroko Hotel in Moshi.

Day 1: From Machame Gate to Machame Camp – Start of Machame Route Via Crater Camp – Kilimanjaro Climb

We’ll pick you up at your hotel and bring you to the main gate at Machame to register. While that is going on, our crew will be preparing the gear and supplies. Next, we’ll start along a trail through the high rain forest up to Machame Camp where we will spend the night.

• Elevation: From 1800 metres to 3000 metres
• Trekking distance: 11 kilometres
• Trek time: 5 to 7 hours
• Environment: Montane forest

Day 2: From Machame Camp to Shira Camp 1 – Machame Route Via Crater Camp – Kilimanjaro Climb

On day two we will leave the lush rainforest behind, trekking through high moorland until we reach Shira 1 Camp. Whilst most of the vegetation has been left behind, keep an eye out for the Giant Lobelia which few who have not explored Kilimanjaro have ever seen.

• Elevation: From 3000 metres to 3850 metres
• Trekking distance: 9 kilometres
• Trek time: 4 to 6 hours
• Environment: Moorland

Day 3: From Shira 1 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower – Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route Via Crater Camp

Going will start to get tough on day four, and you can expect to feel the first altitude-related symptoms of the trek. Lava Tower is 4600 metres above sea level. We will rest there for acclimatisation purposes, and have lunch as well. Because we like to ‘walk high, sleep low’, we will then descend into Barranco Valley to make camp for the night. The descent from Lava Tower is a great time to enjoy the scenery and take photos, especially of the Western Breach and the Great Barranco Wall. Camp is directly below the Wall, and sunsets here are amazing.

• Elevation: From 3850 metres to 3950 metres
• Highest point: 4600 metres (Lava Tower)
• Trekking distance: 12 kilometres
• Trek time: 6-7 hours
• Environment: Semi-desert

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp

In another day of acclimatisation, we will climb to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. We’ll be well above the cloud layer here, and the views are amazing in every direction. Camp for the night will be low again, in the Karanga Valley beneath the Decken, Kersten and Heim Glaciers.

• Elevation: From 3950 metres to 3930 metres
• Highest Point: Great Barranco Wall
• Trekking distance: 7 kilometres
• Trek time: Around 4 hours
• Environment: Alpine desert

Day 5: From Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Camp

From Karanga, we will go up the well-travelled Mweka descent trail, then turn off for Barafu Hut. Barafu Hut marks the end of the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit itself from many different angles. This is a short day, and you should take advantage of the down-time to rest up for the summit day tomorrow. Do take a bit of time to look about, though. You can see both Kibo and Mawenzi clearly from this vista.

• Elevation: From 3930 metres to 4600 metres
• Trekking distance: 6 kilometres
• Trek time: Around 3 hours
• Environment: Alpine desert

Day 6: From Barafu Hut to summit at Uhuru Peak, descent to Kibo Crater

We’ll wake at 7am and have a full breakfast before making the summit attempt. Our route takes us between the Rebman Glacier and the Ratzel Glacier. From there, we will go up heavy scree to reach Stella Point on the rim of the crater itself. We will have a short rest at Stella, which is a good time to enjoy one of the most spectacular views in Africa. Next it is on to the summit itself, Uhuru Peak. After another break for celebration and photos (weather permitting) we’ll begin the descent to Kibo Crater to camp for the night. Depending on the time of year, Kibo could be icy, snowy or sandy desert.

• Elevation: From 4600 metres to 5730 metres
• Highest point: 5895 metres (Uhuru Peak)
• Trekking distance: 8 kilometres
• Trek time: 7 to 8 hours
• Environment: Alpine desert

Day 7: Descent from Kibo Crater Camp to Mweka Camp

Well before dawn, we will set off over the rim to see the sun rise at the very top of Africa. We will then begin the descent, first to Barafu Hut for lunch then on to Mweka Camp, at a mere 3100 metres above sea level. The last stretch is over loose gravel, and you will need your poles.

• Elevation: From 5730 metres to 3100 metres
• Trekking distance: 12 kilometres
• Trek time: 6 to 8 hours
• Environment: Ice-capped summit, stone scree and moorland

Day 8: Descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Park Gate – End of Machame Route Via Crater Camp – Kilimanjaro Climb

The last leg of our trek will be a short but probably muddy descent to Mweka Park Gate. it is likely to be rainy or hot, so prepare for both. After picking up your certificate for summiting Kilimanjaro, we’ll take you to Kindoroko hotel in Moshi for celebration or sleep, depending on your mood and energy.

• Elevation: From 3100 metres to 1800 metres
• Trekking distance: 8 kilometres
• Trek time: 3 to 4 hours
• Environment: Montane forest

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2250m) – Big Tree Camp (2780m) – Begin of Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route

Up and away. A two and a half hour’s drive to Londorossi Gate where you will be registered by the national park authorities. Then you drive another 15 km into the dense rainforest to where you will start. A moderately steep path leads to the Big Tree Camp (2780m). Look out for monkeys and interesting birds along the way. The tents will be already set up and hot tea and washing water will be waiting.

Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2780m) – Shira Camp 1 (3500m) – Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route

We will follow a trail that leads out of the forest and into a savannah giant heather moorland zone. Our ascend through scenic rolling hills, we will cross several streams to reach the Shira Ridge before descending to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from the plateau is spectacular.

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 (3500m) – Shira Camp 2 (3900m) – Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route

A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3900m) – Lava Tower (4640m) – Barranco Camp (3960m)

You will gain 700m in altitude but descend to sleep at Barranco – 60m higher than last night’s camp. This will help with acclimatisation as you will go up to 4600m before descending again. Today begins with a long uphill in the direction of the Lava Tower Hut (4640m) and you will notice how the landscape changes to a rocky alpine desert. Later, the path descends again to the Barranco Valley with its giant Senecias and Lobelias. After six to seven hours you should arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain – the Barranco Camp.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3960m) – Karanga Camp (4035m)

Today will start with the daunting Barranco Wall. Soon you will realize it looks worse than it actually is, but there are tricky sections where you will need to hold on tight. Admire the views from the top.

The rest of the route follows along the mountain ridge into the Karanga valley and out. You reach Karanga Camp after lunch and you will have fantastic views of the southern glacier of Kibo as well as of the Kibo summit.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Karanga Camp (4035m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)

A few hours hiking through desolate and rocky moon-like landscape lies ahead. It will be a relatively easy day leading steadily uphill. The goal for today is the Barafu campsite on a narrow ridge in full view of Mawenzi peak. You will walk along a trail that passes through the afro-alpine dessert until you reach your destination for today –Barafu Camp at 4640m. Use the rest of the day to relax and pack your daypack for tonight’s summit attempt. Supper will be served early; drink and eat enough if you can and try to sleep. You will be woken up around midnight to start your walk to the summit.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4640m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)

It is dark and cold as you set off just after midnight. You will climb the frozen volcanic dust by headlamp going towards Stella Point on the crater rim – about six hours. The sun should be rising when you arrive here. Just an hour or two more and you will be standing on the highest point of the crater: Uhuru peak. On top of the world! Take a short break for pictures and celebratory hugs before you tackle the steep and dusty descent. By now the volcanic ash will have thawed… You will stop for a short tea break at Barafu and then continue downhill for about three hours to Mweka camp (3080m). This is your overnight stop. Refuel by drinking lots of fluids and have a good helping at supper time.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8: Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp – End of Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route

A traditional farewell ceremony from the porters begins the day. After about three hours, comfortably descending through the greenness of the forest, you should reach Mweka gate where the driver will be waiting. Back at Stella Maris Lodge for a hot shower, a cold drink, a debrief and your certificate of achievement are waiting. Well done!

Breakfast.

Day 1: Umbwe Gate (5,905 ft/1,800 m) to Umbwe Camp (9,190 ft/2,800 m) 8km, 5-7 hours – Start of Kilimanjaro Climb – Umbwe Route

Following an early breakfast, you will have a briefing from your guide. At 9 am, our staff will take you on the hour-long drive from your hotel in Moshi to the Umbwe Village where your guides and porters will prepare your equipment and supplies. Kilimanjaro Park registration will be completed here and you will also receive your lunch pack. After registration, you will begin your ascent from the Umbwe Gate and continue on a small vehicle path until you reach the signage notifying you have reached the Umbwe Trail.

You will then climb for 5-6 hours through dense rainforest. It is impossible to miss the giant fig trees and rubber trees as in some places, their roots have overtaken the path. Although, sometimes slippery themselves, they can make for good footholds when the path becomes sloppy with mud after a rain. Umbwe Camp is inside the forest and will your first stop. When you arrive, you will find your camp and tent is already set up by the porters who ran ahead. They will bring you boiled drinking water and washing water in preparation for dinner.

Day 2: Umbwe Camp (9,190 ft/2,800 m) to Barranco Camp (12,800 ft/3,900 m) 8km, 4-5 hours – Kilimanjaro Climb – Umbwe Route

Rise early for coffee or tea. After breakfast, pack up for the day’s trek. Your trek will begin steeply through the disappearing rainforest glades before ascending into drier air of Giant Erica and Heathland terrain where the vegetation is sparse with small shrubs. You will continue on an exposed ridge that offers you with your first view of Uhuru Peak if the clouds have parted enough.

After lunch, you begin to enter into the semi-desert terrain when you trek through a garden of Senecio plants. These odd looking groundsels resemble something like a pre-historic cactus. Once you reach Barranco Camp, your porters will boil drinking and washing water before serving dinner. While you wait for your dinner, you will have a chance to experience one of the most memorable sunsets you have ever seen as the sun drops through the valley. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.

Day 3: Barranco Camp Acclimatization Day – Kilimanjaro Climb – Umbwe Route

You will spend Day 3 exploring near Barranco Camp for much-needed acclimatization. Keep your camera handy to capture the scenery of the groundsel-clad campsite. Many trekkers rank this as their favorite camp on this trail, which another reason this is perfect spot for your acclimatization day.

If you are highly confident in your body’s ability to acclimatize well, you can choose the 6-Day Umbwe Itinerary.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (12,960 ft/3,950m) to Karanga Camp (13,780 ft/4,200m) 7 km, 4 hours

After sleeping below the Great Barranco Wall, you get your chance to tackle this hurdle. Don’t worry…It’s much easier than it looks. Continue up until you reach just below the Heim Glacier. Then head down through the Karanga Valley. This is the last place for your porters to gather water. They will collect all the water for the remainder of the ascent here. You will settle in here at the Karanga Camp. After lunch, you can spend the afternoon doing light exploring or resting while taking in the views of Mawenzi’s towering spires.

Day 5: Karanga Camp (13,780 ft/4,200m) to Barafu Camp (14,930 ft/4,550m) 5 km, 3-4 hours

After breakfast, you’ll head east, crossing over multiple ridges and valleys until you join up with the Mweka Route and turn left to continue up the ridge for an hour to reach the Barafu Hut. You will arrive at camp to find your tent pitched on a rocky ridge with high winds. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the camp before dark to be safe. Also, have your headlamp/flashlight handy if you need to leave the tent after dark. You will prepare your equipment (replace batteries for headlamp and camera) before you go to bed by 7 PM and try to catch a few hours of shuteye before your summit attempt!

Day 6: SUMMIT DAY! Barafu Camp (14,930 ft/4,550m) to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft/5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (10,170 ft/3,100 m) 7 km up and 22 km down, 8 hours up, 9-10 hours down

Wake at 11:30 PM for tea or coffee and biscuits and then depart Barafu on your bid for the peak. You will climb 6 hours through thick scree following multiple switchbacks between the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (18,650 ft/5,685 m). You have just completed what most climbers consider to be the most challenging part of their trek.

Depending on your pace to this point, you may get the chance to enjoy the majestic sunrise during your short rest here. Although you will be fatigued, it is important to keep moving due to the extreme cold. At Stella Point, you have joined up with the last bit of the Marangu Route. You will hike along the rim for another 1-2 hours until you reach your ultimate goal of Uhuru Peak. Congratulations, you are now standing on the Roof of Africa! You will have time to take pictures with the world-famous Uhuru Peak sign, but it is important to begin your descent soon in order to allow yourself enough time to rest at the Barafu Camp.

After a 3-hour descent down sliding scree, you will reach Barafu to have a short rest while you collect your gear and then continue down the path back into the forest camp of Mweka. You might experience a little rain in the afternoon, so be sure to have your rain gear in your daypack. Enjoy some dinner and some well-deserved sleep. At Mweka Camp, the office sells bottled water, soft drinks, candy bars, and beer.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (10,170 ft/3,100 m) to Mweka Gate (6,500 ft/1,980 m) 10 km, 3-4 hours – End of Kilimanjaro Climb – Umbwe Route

Wake up for breakfast as usual, pack, and descend through a short, scenic, 3-hour hike to Mweka Gate. Wait until you and all of your gear has reached the gate before you tip your staff. After registering at the gate, you will wait to receive your summit certificates (green for those who reached Stella Point and gold for those who reach Uhuru Peak). From the gate, if the road is too muddy for vehicles, you will continue your hike for 1 hour to the Mweka Village, 3km away. There you will enjoy a hot lunch before being driven back to Moshi where you can have your first hot shower in days!

Day 1: Nale Muru Gate (6,400 ft/1,950 m) to Simba Camp (9,020 ft/2,750 m) 8km, 3-4 hours – Start of Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route

Following breakfast you will have a briefing from your guide. At 9 am, our staff will drive you from your hotel to the wooded village of Nale Muru. The drive past villages and many coffee plantations will take 4-5 hours. When you arrive, your guides and porters will prepare your equipment and supplies while you complete registration with the Kilimanjaro Park Office.

You will begin your trek through fields of maize and potatoes before you enter the pine forest. Your ascent begins in the forest occupied by various wildlife. The trees of the forest become sparser as you reach the Simba Camp which is near the First Cave. Your camp sits at the edge of the moorland zone with spectacular views of the plains of Kenya. When you arrive, you will find your camp and tent is already set up by the porters who ran ahead. They will bring you boiled drinking water and washing water in preparation for dinner.

Day 2: Simba Camp (9,020 ft/2,750 m) to Kikelewa Camp (11,810 ft/3,600 m) 17km, 7 hours – Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route

After breakfast, you pack up for the day’s trek, which will consist of moorland terrain. The trek to Second Cave is pretty consistent in respect to grade and ascent.

Along the way, you will catch some terrific views of Kibo and get your first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. The small shrubs of the moorland became thinner as you approve the Second Cave. This is where you will stop for a short rest and have your lunch.

At this point, you will break off of the beaten path and head east across the moorland on a less-travelled path toward Mawenzi. After trekking 10km, you will enter a cozy valley filled with the giant Senecios plants and the nearby Kikelewa Cave. It is here at the Kikelewa Camp where you will settle in for the night.

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (11,810 ft/3,6000 m) to Mawenzi Tarn (14,205 ft/4,330m) 7km, 4 hours

After breakfast and packing, you begin your relatively short hiking day ascending up steep, grassy slopes. Atop the slopes, you are gifted with a beautiful 360 panoramic view. Continuing on, you leave behind all traces of vegetation as you enter into the semi-desert terrain. It doesn’t take long now to reach the Mawenzi Tarn, which sits beneath the soaring peaks of Mawenzi. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this stimulating range.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Mawenzi Tarn

Just after breakfast we concur the famous Barranco Wall. You might need your hands once in a while for better grip, but with that being said, there are no climbing passages, and as safety is very important please listen to our guides who will ensure you get to the top safely. There will be a lot of ascents and descents today followed by a walk along the mountain ridge. This will reward you will a great view of the glacier of Kibo. Walking time today will be 3 – 4 hours with the Kibo summit all the time on your left accompanying you to your camp for the night. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn (14,205 ft/4,330m) to Kibo Huts (15,400 ft/4,695m) 8 km, 5 hours

After an early breakfast and packing your daypack, you begin your hike by crossing saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain here resembles that of a lunar desert. You will begin your hike early in the morning to ensure you reach the next camp in time to rest before your summit bid. Today’s hike will take you just below the Kibo crater wall where you will camp in the Kibo Huts. At this point, you will join up with the Marangu Route which you will use to hike to the summit. You will prepare your clothing and equipment (replace batteries for headlamp and camera) before you go to bed by 7 PM and try to catch a few hours of shuteye before your summit attempt!

Day 6: SUMMIT DAY! Kibo Huts (15,400 ft/4,695m) to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft/5,895 m) to Horombo Huts (12,100 ft/3,690 m) 6 km up and 16 km down, 6-8 hours up, 4-5 hours down

Wake for breakfast at midnight and prepare for your summit ascent. Depart at 1 AM with the goal of reaching the peak near the same time as sunrise. Your trek will be full of switchbacks, winding you up the steep scree before reaching Gilman’s Point on the rim of the crater (18,640 ft/5,861 m) between 5 and 7 AM.

Here, you are greeted by the snow-filled crater and its icecaps. Hiking along the crater rim, you will reach Uhuru Peak around 9 AM. Congratulations, you are now standing on the Roof of Africa! You will have time to take pictures with the world-famous Uhuru Peak sign, but it is important to begin your descent soon in order to allow yourself enough time to rest at the Kibo Huts. Upon reaching back to Kibo, have lunch, grab some much needed rest, pack up, and return to the Horombo Huts. Enjoy some dinner and some well-deserved sleep.

Day 7: Horombo Huts (12,100 ft/3,690 m) to Marangu Gate (6,000 ft/1830 m) 20 km, 11-13 hours – End of Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route

Wake up for breakfast as usual, pack, and descend back through the moorland to the Mandara Huts for lunch. Continue your descent through the rainforest, reaching the park gate around 2 or 3 PM. A 45-minute drive and you will be back to Kindoroko hotel in Moshi. It’s time to celebrate!

Day 1: Machame Gate (1790m) – Machame Camp (3010m)

The Kilimanjaro National Park gate is only a 1 hour drive from your hotel. You will be picked up after breakfast and make your way there for the start of your climb. Once you have arrived your guide will get started with the formalities (entrance forms) while you observe all the different teams and mountain crew getting ready for their expedition. It’s always a fascinating experience for clients to watch them load all the different items for the trip. As soon as everything is prepared your adventure will begin.

The destination for today will be the Machame Camp which you should reach in about 5 – 6 hours. On route you will experience a wonderful rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana & lichen to mention but a few. Another favourite to look out for on this day is the black and white thumbless colobus monkeys. Once you arrive at your campsite for the night you have time to relax before enjoying a well deserve dinner prepared by our own cook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: Machame Camp (3010m) – Shira Camp (3845m)

Although today is a shorter stretch then yesterday you will still have an early start which will allow you to reach today’s destination around mid-afternoon. The landscape changes dramatically from the green mountain rainforest into moor and heath land. You will have a beautiful view of the mountain range from your campsite which is situated at the Shira Plateau. The glacier of Kibo also lights up as the sun sets for the evening. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Shira Camp (3845m) – Lava Tower Hut (4640m) – Barranco Camp (3960m) – Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route

Today is a good day for the body to acclimatize for the days to follow. You will climb roughly 700m but will sleep on a level not much higher than the night before. We will start at Shira Plateau and make our way up to Lava Tower at around 4640m, after a rest we will continue through the Barranco Valley until we reach our destination for the day the beautiful Barranco Camp. Today’s trek will be approximately 6 – 7 hours, during which time you will experience the alpine desert as well as the Barranco Valley with its small lobelia plants and giant senecio’s. You will sit down for a well-deserved dinner before it’s time to rest in preparation for the next day. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3960m) – Karanga Camp (4035m)

Just after breakfast we concur the famous Barranco Wall. You might need your hands once in a while for better grip, but with that being said, there are no climbing passages, and as safety is very important please listen to our guides who will ensure you get to the top safely. There will be a lot of ascents and descents today followed by a walk along the mountain ridge. This will reward you will a great view of the glacier of Kibo. Walking time today will be 3 – 4 hours with the Kibo summit all the time on your left accompanying you to your camp for the night. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4035m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)

Barafu Camp is our destination for today and will be reach after 3-4 hours. Most of this time you will be walking through the moon-like alpine dessert. After a satisfying dinner you will have an early night and a good rest. The highlight of your trip is now only some hours away. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)

The climb will start at midnight. You will be woken up just before that to have some tea and biscuits. Around 5 – 7 hours later you will reach Stella Point which is the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. After another 1 – 2 hours you will reach Uhuru Peak at a height of 5895 m. This is truly a magnificent sight standing on top of Africa’s Highest Mountain watching the sunrise. This view will be one to remember and will make every minute of the last couple of days trekking worth your while.

You will descent along the same way back to Barafu Camp which you will reach after 1 – 2 hours. The rest of the mountain team will be there waiting for you with some well deserve snacks and refreshments. You will rest for an hour or two before making your way to Mweka Camp where you will spend your last night on the mountain. Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3080m) – Mweka Gate (1630m) – End of Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route

After breakfast you will have a traditional farewell ceremony from all your mountain crew. After a short 2 – 3 hours walk through the rainforest our driver will be waiting for you at the Mweka gate. You will then be transferred back to Stella Maris Lodge for a well deserved shower, a cold drink, a debrief and the awarding of your certificate of achievement. The rest of the day is yours to relax and to reflect back on this once in a lifetime experience. Breakfast.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2250m) – Big Tree Camp (2780m) – Begin of Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route

Up and away. A two and a half hour’s drive to Londorossi Gate where you will be registered by the national park authorities. Then you drive another 15 km into the dense rainforest to where you will start. A moderately steep path leads to the Big Tree Camp (2780m). Look out for monkeys and interesting birds along the way. The tents will be already set up and hot tea and washing water will be waiting.

Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2780m) – Shira Camp 2 (3900m) – Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route

Today’s long trek starts on a small trail which continues through the trees and gradually ascends to reach the Shira plateau. Enjoy the views of the mountain and plains below. The path continues to cross the Shira Ridge (ca. 3600m) and you will stop for lunch at the Shira Camp 1 after another few hours. The last section (approximately 3 hrs), you will climb another 250 meters in altitude and pass the surreal Senecia-plants growing to over 8m in height. Reaching the camp after the long day, you will relax with coffee and tea and be nourished with a 3-course meal tonight. As the sun sets you might see the summit glowing in the afternoon sun. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Shira Camp 2 (3900m) – Lava Tower (4640m) – Barranco Camp (3960m)

You will gain 700m in altitude but descend to sleep at Barranco – 60m higher than last night’s camp. This will help with acclimatisation as you will go up to 4600m before descending again. Today begins with a long uphill in the direction of the Lava Tower Hut (4640m) and you will notice how the landscape changes to a rocky alpine desert. Later, the path descends again to the Barranco Valley with its giant Senecias and Lobelias. After six to seven hours you should arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain – the Barranco Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3960m) – Karanga Camp (4035m)

Today will start with the daunting Barranco Wall. Soon you will realize it looks worse than it actually is, but there are tricky sections where you will need to hold on tight. Admire the views from the top. The rest of the route follows along the mountain ridge into the Karanga valley and out. You reach Karanga Camp after lunch and you will have fantastic views of the southern glacier of Kibo as well as of the Kibo summit. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4035m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)

A few hours hiking through desolate and rocky moon-like landscape lies ahead. It will be a relatively easy day leading steadily uphill. The goal for today is the Barafu campsite on a narrow ridge in full view of Mawenzi peak. You will walk along a trail that passes through the afro-alpine dessert until you reach your destination for today –Barafu Camp at 4640m. Use the rest of the day to relax and pack your daypack for tonight’s summit attempt. Supper will be served early; drink and eat enough if you can and try to sleep. You will be woken up around midnight to start your walk to the summit. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4640m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)

It is dark and cold as you set off just after midnight. You will climb the frozen volcanic dust by headlamp going towards Stella Point on the crater rim – about six hours. The sun should be rising when you arrive here. Just an hour or two more and you will be standing on the highest point of the crater: Uhuru peak. On top of the world! Take a short break for pictures and celebratory hugs before you tackle the steep and dusty descent. By now the volcanic ash will have thawed… You will stop for a short tea break at Barafu and then continue downhill for about three hours to Mweka camp (3080m). This is your overnight stop. Refuel by drinking lots of fluids and have a good helping at supper time. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7: Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp – End of Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route

A traditional farewell ceremony from the porters begins the day. After about three hours, comfortably descending through the greenness of the forest, you should reach Mweka gate where the driver will be waiting. Back at Stella Maris Lodge for a hot shower, a cold drink, a debrief and your certificate of achievement are waiting. Well done! Breakfast.

Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1800m) – Bivouac Camp (2940m) – Begin of Kilimanjaro Climb – Umbwe Route

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up and driven to the Umbwe Gate. Here you can buy mineral water and will receive a packed lunch. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest.

During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the look out for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the Bivouac Camp (2940m) in the late afternoon or early evening.

Additionally, the porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served. For overnight, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!

• Habitat: Montane forest
• Hiking time: 5 hours

Day 2: Bivouac Camp (2940m) – Barranco Camp (3950m) – Kilimanjaro Climb – Umbwe Route

After an early morning breakfast, you will start your ascent leaving the rain forest and entering the heathland moorland vegetation. Furthermore, in the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. As you ascent, the trail provides a spectacular view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The trail then flattens then descends into the Barranco Valley until you reach Barranco Camp.

At Barranco Camp, you will be next to a stream and have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and the Great Barranco Wall in the East. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.

• Hiking time: 6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Day 3: Barranco Camp (3950m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m)

Following an early morning breakfast, you will leave the moorland environment and enter the semi desert and rocky landscape. After 5 hours of hiking east, you will be come face to face with the Lava Tower (4630m). Packed lunches are served at the Tower and hikers have the option of climbing the massive Lava Tower weather permitting.

At this point of the hike, it is normal for hikers to start feeling the effects from the altitude including headaches and shortness of breath. After eating lunch at Lava Tower, hikers will scramble up the steep Class 2 trail to the Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m). Vegetation at Arrow Glacier is sparse and hikers are surrounded by stone scree. Snacks, dinner, and washing water will be provided, as hikers stay warm in their tents at this camp.

• Habitat: Moorland/Semi desert

Day 4: Arrow Glacier (4800m) – Crater (5700m)

After an early morning breakfast, hikers will continue to scramble up the Class 2 trail on rocks. During the rain season, an ice ax and crampons are required due to icy conditions.

Hikers slowly ascend up the Western Breach to the Crater (5700m). Upon reaching the top of the crater, you will be amazed by the Northern Ice fields of Kilimanjaro with the Furtwangler Glacier directly in front of you. At the campsite, you have the option of completing a day hike to the infamous Ash Pit (1.5 hour) of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The ash pit is 340m across and 120m deep. After hiking, you will enjoy a warm dinner and be one of the few and fortunate hikers to stay at the inner, snow-covered crater of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

• Hiking time: 5 hours
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped glacier

Day 5: Summit Attempt – Crater (5700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)

Your guide will wake you around 0400 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. For about 2 hours, you will hike on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins.

The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours. At camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rain forest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.

• Hiking time: 2 hours to Uhuru and 7-8 hours to Mweka
• Distance: Approximately 7 kilometer ascent and 23 kilometer descent
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m) – End of Kilimanjaro Climb – Umbwe Route

Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters.

After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). You will be served a hot lunch then you will drive back to Kindoroko Hotel for long overdue showers and more celebrations.

• Hiking time: 3 hours
• Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
• Habitat: Forest

Day 1: Shira Gate – Shira 2 Camp – Begin of Kilimanjaro Climb – Shira Route

Drive to Shira Gate for the start of your Kilimanjaro climb. After registering with the park authorities, hike through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge to the Shira 2 Camp. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery; gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here.

• Elevation (metres): 3,600m to 3,840m
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5Hrs

Day 2: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp – Kilimanjaro Climb – Shira Route

After breakfast, trek east on the Shira plateau for two hours before reaching the junction for the Machame route. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier from here; we now descend to the Barranco Hut. Although you end the day at almost the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatisation.

• Elevation (metres): 3840m to 4630m to 3950m
• Distance: 10kms
• Hiking Time: 6-8hrs

Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Valley

After breakfast we leave Barranco camp and continue on a steep ridge passing to the great Barranco Wall, climb this imposing obstacle which turns out to be easier than it looks. You can now appreciate how beautiful Kilimanjaro is. Descend to the Karanga valley where you will set camp for the night.

• Elevation (metres): 3950m to 4023m
• Distance: 5kms
• Hiking Time: 4-5hrs

Optional: Extra Day

You can add an extra day to your trek by staying at Barranco Camp for two nights. Then, you will hike to the Karanga Valley Camp on Day 4, the Barafu Camp on Day 5, summit on Day 6, and finish your descent on Day 7. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization.

Day 4: Karanga Valley Camp – Barafu Camp

We continue our climb to the Barafu camp, hike east over the intervening ridges and valleys to join the Mweka route which will be your descent route. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner before going to bed early in preparation for summit day.

• Elevation (metres): 4023m to 4645m
• Distance: 4kms
• Hiking Time: 4-5hrs

Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Just after midnight, start the ascent through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (4,200m), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to experience. From here a further 50 minutes’ walk leads to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

After a short time at the summit, start your descent to the Barafu camp for a rest and brunch before continuing with the descent to Mweka camp for your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.

• Elevation (metres): 4645m to 5895m to 3090m
• Distance and Hiking Time: Barafu Hut – Uhuru Peak (5 kms, 7-8 hrs) Decent to Mweka Hut (12 kms, 6-8 hrs)

Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – End of Kilimanjaro Climb – Shira Route

After breakfast, continue the descent to the Mweka Park Gate. Each hiker will receive a well-earned certificate of achievement for the successful climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. It is time for celebration!

• Elevation (metres): 3090m to 1640m
• Distance: 10Kms – Hiking Time: 4-5hrs